Magnetic cushioning system

Abstract

The magnetic cushioning system is for use in a cushion, mattress or other cushioned article, the cushioning system providing adjustable firmness for the user. The magnetic cushioning system includes a plurality of magnetic supports enclosed within a cover. Each of the magnetic supports has a flexible shell having opposed upper and lower ends. A permanent magnet is disposed within the flexible shell and is positioned adjacent the upper end thereof. An electromagnet is disposed within the flexible shell and is positioned adjacent the lower end thereof. The cover has opposed upper and lower surfaces, the magnetic supports having the upper ends thereof secured to a lower face of the upper surface, and the lower ends thereof secured to an upper face of the lower surface of the cover. A controller is provided for selectively and adjustably controlling electrical power transmitted to each electromagnet.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]The present invention relates to cushioned supports, and particularly to a magnetic cushioning system formed for a cushioned article, the cushioning system providing adjustable firmness for the user.[0003]2. Description of the Related Art[0004]Common mattresses typically fall into one of three major categories: foam and batting, water bladder, or air bladder mattresses. A traditional mattress and foundation combination utilizes a box spring having a series of vertical springs arranged along the entire width and length of the box spring. These provide support for the mattress that is placed thereon. The mattress itself may include various internal components, such as vertical springs, wiring, cording, and soft batting materials, such as cotton and foam. The firmness of the mattress is a function of the combination of compressive properties of each material. A “firm” mattress may utilize stiff vertical springs and a relat...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0012]The cover has opposed upper and lower surfaces, with the plurality of the magnetic supports being received within the cover so that the upper ends thereof are secured to a lower face of the upper surface of the cover, and the lower ends of the plurality of the magnetic supports are secured to an upper face of the lower surface of the cover. The permanent magnet and the electromagnet are connected by an adjustable axis, thus preventing the permanent magnet from achieving too great a distance from the electromagnet. A controller is further provided for selectively and adjustably controlling electrical power transmitted to each electromagnet of each magnetic support, allowing the user to selectively and adjustably control the repulsive force between the permanent magnets and the respective electromagnets, thus controlling the firmness of the cushioned article.

Problems solved by technology

One limitation of these traditional mattress and box-spring combinations is that the firmness of the mattress system can only be adjusted by replacing the components.

Further, the firmness of the mattress changes with age of the materials, along with wearing of particular areas.

Further, depressions in the mattress may develop over time.

Water has a disadvantage over conventional mattress materials in that, when weight is applied to one location, the displaced water raises the bladder in another area.

Another disadvantage of these mattresses is the susceptibility of the bladder being compromised, resulting in the water leading from the mattress.

The most common types of airbeds typically do not allow the user to adjust the firmness along the length of the bladder, such as for example, the area of the user's lower back being adjusted to be firmer than the area near the head of the bed.

However, bladder systems, both air and water, have a disadvantage over conventional mattresses in that when weight is applied to one location, the displaced air or water raises the bladder in another area.

A disadvantage of the foam bed is that firmness of the mattress cannot be adjusted, and the foam is subject to fatigue and loss of its rigidity.

Most hospital beds have adjustable positions, however, they do not provide adjustable firmness along the length of the bed.

These air pumps are typically noisy and often disturbing to the patient.

Although the above bed systems provide various methods of support, they lack the ability to provide adjustability of firmness along the length of the bed (i.e., from foot to head) or across its width.

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